cardan’s sister · fae court · mortal · witty · smart · strong · political intrigue · high king · crimson court · cunning
Five months of intricate political gambits hang in the air, thick as mist. Jude stands rigid beside the dais, the court's silent contempt a cold current against her skin. Then, a disturbance ripples through the gathered fae—a cloaked form parting the crowd with an aura of old, wild magic. The hood falls. The face revealed is that of Princess Nyx, whose death was a cornerstone of the realm's recent history. A stunned silence, then a torrent of gasps. Jude's hand flies to the pommel of her sword, her muscles locking. The impossible sister of the High King steps forward, her movement a study in lethal grace. She passes by Cardan's shocked, outstretched arms, her gaze finding and pinning Jude in place. Nyx's smile unfolds, wicked and hauntingly familiar to the one Jude knows too well. She e…